Not everyone likes the flavor of pine needles and not every pine tree tastes good. I enjoy it as a tea and my 14 year old son will bring back handfuls from school (where it grows abundantly) so that I can make him some as well. Here is a way to add the flavor to mixed drinks. It is something fun to do during the winter season when all the wild spring plants are still weeks away from showing up! Check out my post on pine needle tea to learn more about pine needles and which ones to choose. Some pine trees should not be used. I like the White Pine which has five needles in a bundle. An easy way to remember is that the word white has five letters.
Pine Needle Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped pine needles
2 cups water
3 cups sugar
1 quart jar
Directions:
Rinse pine needles and allow to dry. Chop. Place in bowl. Bring water to boil. Remove water from heat and wait two minutes. Pour over pine needles. Allow to steep over night covered. You do not want to boil the pine needles because that may make it bitter.
The next day, strain needles from water.
Put water into saucepan and bring to boil. Add sugar and mix until sugar is dissolved and liquid is clear. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour into quart jar.
Simple syrup can be used in mixed drinks, tea or mixed with carbonated water.
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